Gas-engine



(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

T. H. HICKS. GAS ENGINE.

Patented June 28, 1898.

rl WITNESSES llq [AWE/Wm (No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 2,

T. H. HICKS. S ENGINE. No. 606,386. Patented June 28, 189

)VZTNESSE Arena triple.

THOMAS H. HICKS, OF FORT IVAYNE, INDIANA.

GAS=ENGINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters PatentNO. 606,386, dated June 28, 1898.

Application filed November 29, 1895. Serial No.570,421. (No model.)

To all whom. it may concern.-

Be itknown that I, THOMAS H. HICKS, a subject of the Queen of Great Britain, residing at Fort IVayne, county of Allen, State of Indiana, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Gas-Engines; and I declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification.

This invention has special reference to new and useful improvements in the operating, igniting, and controlling partsof a gas-engine; but my scheme relates also and may be applied to any kind of a power-producin g engme.

By the term gas-engine I mean any and all of that class of engines which produce power from explosive mixtures.

My invention is more particularly intended for application to gas-engines for operating electric generators. A part refers to electromechanical means for admitting gas to the engine for producing explosions, and a second part refers to means for automatically changing the speed of the engine suitably for maintaining constant electric pressure in the work-circuit during variations of load on the electric generator, especially when using unconipounded generators.

To these ends my invention consists of the construction, combination, and arrangement of the various parts, which will be found fully explained in the following specification and illustrated in the drawings hereto annexed, in which Figure 1 is a diagram view showing the general arrangement and combination of all parts of my invention. Fig. 2 is also a diagram view showing parts of Fig. l in detail and also a modification of other parts. Fig. 3 is a detail view in section of the ignition device indicated in Fig. 1, parts being shown broken away and in side elevation.

The various parts shown in the drawings are indicated by letters and figures, which I explain as follows:

A indicates the back end of a gas-engine cylinder.

A is the top of the engine crankshaft.

A? is the drive-wheel.

is a belt.

B is an electric generator. ture. B is its commutator. its brushes.

D is an electric solenoid-governor. D is its magnetic plunger. D is its helix, which is connected in shunt with the work-circuit D D is a supplemental coil arranged in series with the work-circuit for varying the action of the solenoid-governor suitably to the load on the engine. This is really a compoundingcoil. D and D, Figs. 1 and 2, are similar coils to D and illustrate how the coil D can be arranged in different places and still produce the same result.

B is its arma- C and O are E and E are make-and-break contact-points,

for opening and closing the circuit of the electromagnet E ,F is a spring for suspending the solenoidplunger D.

F and F are two binding-posts.

F is a metal casing inclosing the movable parts of the solenoid-governor D.

G is a gas-valve for supplying the engine with gas.

G is a valve-stem.

G is a swinging finger attached to the valvestem G.

G is a spring for moving thefinger away from the cam-arm G" when the engine requires no gas.

G is a cam for operating the arm G II is a lever for connecting the finger G with the cam-arm G when the engine requires gas. The lever-II is actuated in moving the finger by the electromagnet E The arrange- .ment of this part of my device may be seen to better advantage in Fig. 2, in which I show two sets of magnets E and E each having their respective levers II and H for operating two sets of fingers G and G.

G and G are two cam-arms, G being to operate the finger G and G for operating the finger G. The two fingers G and G may be arranged so as to operate only one gas-valve G or two separate valves, it being understood, of course, that one finger and its cam-arm operate the gas-valve for one end of the enginecylinder and the other finger and the camarm operate the gas-valve for the other end of the cylinder, or each set may operate a dis tinct engine-cylinder in a manner which will be readily understood by those skilled in this art.

I and I are two springs for pulling the outer magnetic ends of the levers away from their respective magnets when the gas-valve G requires to be closed.

.I and J are two roller-wheels for reducing friction between the levers H II and their respective fingers G G.

.I and J are two stops for limiting the movements of the lovers in one direction, the cores of the magnets E E limiting the movements of the levers in the other direction.

K is an electric ignition device for produc ing the explosions of gas for the engine. I show the internal construction of the ignition device in Fig. In its construction I use two hardened-steel coiuluctor-plungers K K ,covcred with a film of protecting material-sueh as platinum, gold, silver, or porcelain -enamelwhich I indicate by the black portion of each plunger lying between the two stuffing-boxes K K. The two plungers are insulated from each other in any suitable manner.

K K are two stuffing-boxes through which the plungers are free to move.

L is a disk of mica or other suitable tran parent material through which the electric spark becomes exposed as it flashes between the conductor-plungers K K The mica disk is securely held in place by the nut L,which has an opening L leading to the mica.

M and M are springs for moving the ignition-plungers in one direction. These conduetor-plungers both move, one of them bein g lifted by the other after they come in contact. In Fig. 1 the upper plunger is shown to be lifted by the lower one, the latter being lifted by the cam-arm G. By having one plunger lift the other in this way the ends do not jam each other, the spring M forming a cushion, and the plungers are also thereby kept in contact longer, which helps to insure the current flowing from one plunger to the other.

N in Fig. 8 is an opening through which the explosive mixture is brought in contact with the electric spark.

In Fig. 2 I show a modification of the governing part of my scheme, in which the solenoid-plunger D is suspended from the lever N which is fulcrumed at N and is equipoised by an adjustable weight N to which is attached a second solenoid-plunger O.

The conductors which form the electric circuits are indicated by the numerals 1 2 3, &c., and the relative directions of the flow of current are indicated by arrow-heads.

G is the feed-pipe, in which the valve G is interposed.

It will be observed that the electromagnets and certain related parts are shown in Fig. 1 in side elevation looking toward one end. of the lever II, which, it will be understood, is fulcrumed intermediate its ends, as shown in Fig. 2. The magnets in Fig. 2 are shown in plan at right angles to the in agncts shown in Fig. 1.

Having thus referred to the various parts comprising my whole scheme, I will now describe the manner in which the combination is operated and new and valuable results produced, referring first to the ignition device.

The ignition device forms a very essential factor in the operation of a gasenginc, inasmuch as without such a coiiperatin g part the gas-engine would be inoperative. If an cxplosive charge fails to ignite, the charge is not only lost, but the function of the governor undersueh circumstances does not become manifest and the engine also slows down in speed. It is difficult under such circumstances to determine the cause of the dilliculty While the engine is running unless the igniting-spark can be examined while the engine is in operation, for such a confusing difficulty may be caused by unsuitable changes in the proportions of air and gas, as well as from a faulty electric spark. Therefore I construct the ignition device K, havin g a disk of mica L, so that the electric spark can be viewed while the engineis running. I have mentioned mica, but glass or any other suitable transparent material can be substituted therefor, for so long as the spark is arranged so that it may be seen through any transparent material while the engine is in operation then the spirit of this part of my invention is fully met. That portion of each conductor -plunger lying between. the two stuffing-boxes K K becomes corroded by the products of combustion unless protected in some way. Therefore I coat this portion of each plunger with either gold, silver, platinum, or porcelain, be, which fully protects them against the aforesaid injury. The two plunger-s K and K move through their respective smiling-boxes, one of them being moved by the other, and their movements in opposite directions are effected by the springs M and M; but the plunger K could be connected to the cam-arm G, so as to be moved in both directions, without the aid of the spring lll. If the plunger K were immovably fixed, its end would soon become jammed by the plunger K unless the latter pl uuger werc cushioned in some way, such as by a spring; but aside from this I have a very spe cial objectin having the upper plunger move, and that object is that the time of the contact of the ends of the plungers K and K may be determined so as to time the explosions and also determine through the lift of the plunger K the length of time the current llows before the spark occurs, itbeing understood, of course, that the current ilows continuously during the time that the plunger K is lifted by the plunger 1 and that the spark occurs at the time of their separation.

There are two novel features then in the ignition device K herein embodied-win.,pro viding means for bringing the electric spark IIO to view, and lifting one conductor-plunger by the other. i

I will now describe the second part of my invention, which refers to electromechanical means for admitting gas to the explosivechamber of the engine. This part of my scheme embraces the combination of the solen oid D, the electromagnet E the cam-arm G the finger G and gas-valve G. In two applications for United States Letters Patents filed by me September 13, 1895, Serial No. 562,370, and October 21, 1895, Serial No. 560,297, I show a similar combination of said five parts; but the manner in which these parts operate, as herein shown and described, differs materially from the way they are shown .to operate in said two cases.

In the said case filed September 13, 1895, Serial No. 562,370, the finger G is shown to be released from the cam-arm G by the magnet E when explosions are not required; but in this case the action is reversed. The magnet E through the lever H, throws the finger G in connection with the cam-arm when explosions are required, and the finger G is released from the cam-arm by the spring G when the current is cut off from the magnet E.

In the said ease filed October 21, 1895, Serial No. 566,297, the gas-Valve is opened by the electromagnet; but in this present case it is opened by the lifting action of the cam-awn Gr through the finger G2 and valve-stem G, and the finger is released from the cam-arm by the spring G In this my present case the spring G acts as a safety against the engine racing in the 7 event of the electric current giving out which operates the magnet E When the engine requires to be started, the finger G2 requires to be held in position, so as to be lifted by the cam-arm until the generator B picks up, after which the solenoid D and magnet E will operate it in the following manner: WVe will suppose that the solenoid-plunger D has been adjusted by the spring F, so as to break contact between the points E E when the electric pressure of the generator B equals one hundred volts. Then when the pressure falls suiliciently below one hundred volts the plunger D will again ascend until the points E E are in contact with each other, which will close the circuit of the electromagnet E thereby causing the magnetic end of the lever II to be attracted to the magnet E while the other end of the lever moves the finger G so as to come in action with the cam-arm G so as to cause the valve G to be opened and thereby admit a charge of gas to the explosive-chamber of the engine, and when the voltage again rises to one hundred the solenoid-plunger D will again descend until it throws the magnet E out of commission by separating the contact-points E E.

The solenoid-helix D and the coils of the eleetromagnet E are each connected in derived circuits from the generator B in the usual manner for operating electromagnets by fluctuations of electric'pressure in a constant-potential system. I indicate the relative direction of the flow of current through the circuits of the solenoid D and electromagnet E by arrow-heads arranged upon the 0011- ductors, 'which may be readily traced by electricians by reference to Fig. 1.

The conductors forming-the circuit for the magnet are marked 1 2 7 9 10, contactpoints E E, conductors 11 and 12, and the conductors of the solenoid D are 1 2 7, helix D conductors S and 12. The joint actions of such a combination of a solenoid D and magnet E are capable of controlling the number of explosions, so as to govern the speed of the engine in a manner suitable for maintaining a constant pressure in an electric work-circuit, provided the load on the engine remains constant; but if the governing apparatus has been adjusted suitably for a light load on the engine it will be found that the electric pressure tends to drop as the load on the engine increases. It is to overcome this drop in potential that I use a series supplemental coil D or D Fig. 1, or D, Fig. 2, the action of which I will now describe.

The coil is arranged in linear series with the work-circuit in a similar manner to the arrangement of the compounding-coil of a constant-potential generator, so that the volume of current flowing through this coil varies with the work of the work-circuit. This coil D may be arranged so as to either cause the solenoid-plungerD' to descend or ascend as the volume of current increases. plunger be arranged to make contact between the points E E as it ascends, then the coil D requires to be arranged so as to have the current which flows through its windings tend to lift the solenoid-plunger a suitable amount; but if the governor be arranged so as to require the solenoid-plunger to make contact between the points E E as it descends then the coil Dtmust be arranged so as to increase the solenoid-pull as the load increases. Such varied results may be accomplished by the direction of the winding of the coil D and its location in connection with the solenoid D.

If theseries coil be arranged, as shown in Fig. 1, either at D or D, it can be wound in such a direction as to either strengthen or weaken the magnetic pull of the shunt-coil D in a manner which will be readily understood by electricians. IVhen arranged as at D, Fig. 2, it would then pull against the shunt-coil D but it will also be readily understood that the coil could be arranged above the lever-arm instead of below it, and in that case the coil would then assist the'pull of the coil D but of course if it were to be arranged above the lever instead of below then the contact between the points E E would require to be made when the plunger D descended. This would be easily accomplished by arranging the point E below the point E. In Fig. 2 I show two sets of electromagnets If the I ICC , scenes l1" and it", but 1 only SllOW the completed s *StOlll of connections with the magnet E"; but it Will be understood, of course, that in practice the magnet E will be connected in a similar manner to the magnet E.

K is the case of the ignition device Having thus described my inventionavhich embraces improvements in three essential parts combined to form a system of gas-en gine operation and regulation, and in accordance therewith, I claim. as new 1. The combination with a gas-engine, of an electric ignition device, provided with tvvo movable conducting-plungcrs M, M, a transparent dish L for bringing the ends of said plungers to view While the engine is running, so that the igniting-spark may be seen for adjustment, a source of electricity, mechanical means for operating said ignition device, mechanism operated by said engine to cause one of said plunger-s to lift the other plunger, and means for automatically pulling one of said plnngers away from the other, substantially as described.

2. The combination with a gas-engine pro vided with a gas-valve G, through Which said engine is supplied with gas, of a valvestem G, a hinged linger l attached to said valvestcm, a cam-arm G" for opening the gas-valve J", through the finger G an electromechanical device for connecting said finger With said cam-arm for operating said gas-valve, electric means for operating said electromechanical device, and means for cutting an electric current off from supplying said electromechanical device for the purpose of throwing said gas-valve entirely out of action in checking the speed of said engine, substantially as described.

3. The combination with a gas-engine pro vided with a gas-controlling valve G, of mechanical and electrical means to operate said valve in supplying gas to said engine, a governing-magnetl) to assist in operating said valve, a compounding coil D" arranged in combination with said governing-magnet,and an electric Work-circuit D said Work-circuit and said coil D being arranged in linear series with each other, the current llovving through said coil D acting in combination with said governing-magnet in controlling the speed of said engine, substantially as described.

4-. The combination with a po\ve1.'-produe ing engine, of two sets of electromagnetic devices l5 and D for controlling the speed of said engine, an electrical Work-circuit .D, and a supplemental series coil arranged in linear seri with said Work-circuit, said series coil acting in combination with said electromag netic devices E" and D in controlling the speed of said engine, substantially as set forth.

The combination with a power-producing engine, of a solenoid-magnet D, an elec trical Work-circuit, a source of clectrici ty, and a supplemental coil arranged in linear series with said work-circuit, said coil being arranged in combination with said magnetl) to assist in controlling the speed of said engine, substantially as described.

(3. The combination with a gas-engine, pro vided with a gas-valve, arranged to be nor mally out of action, and with suitable incchanieal means operated by said engine .l'or operating said valve, of electrical means for throwing said valve into action through said mechanical means operalcd by said engine, substantially as described.

'7. The combination with a gas-engine, provided With a gas-valve, ct two iiulepijnulent sets of mechanical attachments G G and (,l, G operated by said engine [or operating said valve, said valve being arranged to be non mally out of action, and two sets of magnets for throwing said valve into action to supply gas for said engine, substantially as described.

' 8. The combination with a gas-engine, pro vided with a gas-valve, and suitable mechaw ical means operated by said engine [for oper ating said valve, said valve being arranged to be normally out of action, of an electromagnet provided with suitable attaclunenis for throwing said valve into action, a second electromagnet provided with suitable attachments for controlling the first-named magnet, and an electric generator for supplying said elcctromagnets with current, substantially as described.

9. The combination with a gas-e1igine,previded with a gas-valve G, of cam-arms G, (V, lingers G Gr, lever-arms ll ll, and electromagnets E, it, said gas-valve bcin g arrau god to be normally out of action, said magnets and levers being arranged to throw said valve into action through said camarms and flugers, in supplying said engine with gas, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof 1 sign this speciiication in the presence of two witnesses.

Til Obi S H. HICKS.

\Vitnesses:

'l. J. Cnncurron, ll. F. lirrnnniimniv. 

